Respected court ombudsman dies

By Admin

Washtenaw County Legal News

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George J. Bedrosian, appointed Ombudsman for the Eastern District of Michigan Judges in 2005 after a stellar career, died Nov. 30. Until his death, Bedrosian remained active in alternative dispute resolution, including facilitations, mediations and arbitrations.

Bedrosian was a partner in the Detroit law firm of Goodman, Eden, Millender & Bedrosian for more than 35 years. During that time he emerged as a leader in the legal community, both locally and nationally. He was a fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and served on its Board of Directors; a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers; and, Advocate for the American Board of Trial Advocates.

The list of groups for which Bedrosian served as chair or president is lengthy, including: president, Michigan Trial Lawyers; chairman, State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section; and chairman, State of Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission from 1987-1990 after having already served as a member for three years. Bedrosian provided yeoman service to the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions - Civil, serving as a member from its inception in 1975 until 2001. He became part of the Malpractice Subcommittee, drafting the first set of standard malpractice instructions. He is largely responsible for much of the Michigan Model Civil Jury Instructions used today in courtrooms across the state. No doubt that all of this service led to Bedrosian's recognition in all published editions of Woodward/White, "Best Lawyers in America." He also had an active interest in the arts community and served on the executive committee of the board of directors of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Bedrosian's service to the legal community was unending, and he was announced by the Wayne State University Law School as a "Treasure of Detroit" in 2009 when the law school presented him with its Distinguished Alumni Award. It was Bedrosian's commitment to honor, decency, ethics, skills and professionalism that motivated the Eastern District of Michigan to appoint him as its first ever ombudsman in February, 2005. In making the announcement, then Chief Judge Bernard Friedman said, "The degree of respect that the bench and bar have for Mr. Bedrosian, along with his outstanding reputation, will enable him to function as ombudsman with the support and cooperation of all." As ombudsman, Bedrosian served without compensation in this privileged and confidential position to address and resolve sensitive problems and issues brought to him by attorneys and judges.

His wife of 55 years, Gina, preceded Bedrosian in death. He is survived by his daughter, Georgina.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. at the Voran Funeral Home, 23701 Ford Road, Dearborn.

In mourning the loss of Bedrosian, Chief Judge Gerald Rosen said, "Through decades of service and leadership, George Bedrosian has been a shining beacon of good will, humility, courtesy and integrity, and a model for lawyers who followed after him. Our court has indeed been fortunate to have George serve as our ombudsman to the legal community for almost a decade, and we have lost not only a beloved and trusted friend and colleague, but a true giant in our community."